Optometrist Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $57.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Columbus, NE runs $57.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,143 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,085 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $57.76 for 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate indicates that part-time optometrists, working around three days a week, can expect to earn approximately $27,937 annually if they clock 24 hours weekly. Positions in various practice settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics vary, creating a broad range in hourly earnings. The hourly rate for entry-level optometrists is estimated to start around $35.72, with the more experienced or specialized practitioners reaching up to $82.95 an hour. It's worth noting that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the local job market's unique characteristics and economic conditions.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.72 | $285.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.75 | $390.01 |
| Median (P50) | $57.76 | $462.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.36 | $530.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.95 | $663.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $57.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.76/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $120,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,313. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,310.42 | $10,012 | $120,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,386.25 | $6,007 | $72,085 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $924.17 | $4,005 | $48,057 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Columbus) | $57.76 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Columbus, NE earn a median of $120,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $128,633.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.76/hr = $72,085/year (purchasing power: $78,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,142/year (purchasing power: $131,303).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Columbus grew 18.5% from $47.34/hr (2019) to $56.10/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Columbus
For those considering part-time work, the earning potential is distinct compared to full-time colleagues. An optometrist at three days a week may prioritize flexible scheduling, but they must weigh this against the guaranteed income a full-time position offers. Per-diem optometrists in Columbus typically command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail outlets, while fill-in roles in OD/MD practices can draw between $700 to $1,200 per day. Ocular disease specialists in hospital systems often find compensation at $90 to $130 per hour for contract work. Employment across various sectors—such as private practices, retail chains, or VA medical centers—can also influence hourly pay rates. Clinicians must evaluate the trade-offs between potentially lower hourly wages with benefits and higher pay without them, especially in times of changing job security. Effective negotiation is essential, particularly in a town like Columbus where local dynamics can impact compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov